U.S. Surgeon General Headlines HOPE Forum in Atlanta During National Women's Health Week

ATLANTA, May 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recognizing National Women's Health Week, Operation HOPE (HOPE) hosted U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA for a discussion on the relationship between physical and fiscal health in America. The Surgeon General was joined by Chief Medical Officer of Centene Corporation Dr. Mary Mason and Chief Medical Officer of Peach State Health Care Dr. Dean Greeson. Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, dean and executive vice president of the Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) moderated the discussion at the Operation HOPE Financial Dignity Center at Ebenezer in Atlanta.

As the fourth installment in the HOPE Forum series, the event covered the important topic of "Investing in Your Health." The in-depth discussion explored the impact of health care on the economy and how individuals can invest wisely in personal health to improve the nation's overall well-being.

Dr. Benjamin, who has served as the U.S. Surgeon General since 2009, spoke in great detail about the significance of preventive health measures and promoted her pet project, "Walking to Fitness," a new campaign she is helping to lead.

Operation HOPE Founder and CEO, John Hope Bryant underscored the linkage between physical and fiscal health for individuals and families, especially those in underserved communities.

"There is a direct relationship between health care costs and the personal finances of millions of American families in underserved communities," said Bryant. "Our discussion today was geared to investigating the implications of that relationship and identifying a road map to help individuals and families afford to stay healthy. Operation HOPE was honored to be joined by our distinguished panel, led by the U.S. Surgeon General."

Dr. Mason, who is particularly proactive on women's health issues, shared her thoughts on maternity issues. Dr. Greeson, a seasoned board-certified physician executive in the group health and Medicaid managed care and consulting arenas, lent a wider perspective on the topic.

Hosted by Operation HOPE, these forums are a series of regional and national events to discuss financial literacy empowerment themes. These conversations are designed to frame the issue of financial dignity as an essential economic tool. HOPE Forums explore solutions to America's economic recovery and sustainability from top to bottom, bringing the conversation to the community.

About Operation HOPEOperation HOPE is America's leading nonprofit social investment banking and financial dignity empowerment organization. Through its four core portfolios, the organization has provided youth and adult financial literacy, economic preparedness, digital empowerment, promoted home ownership, and assisted with foreclosure prevention to more than 2 million individuals, families, and small business owners. Operation HOPE is leading the "silver rights" movement, making free enterprise and capitalism relevant to all underserved communities. For more information, please visit www.operationhope.org.